August 31, 2013: Dog matters! And another mailbag!

It’s not funny because it’s true!

I’ve been thinking of adopting a senior dog for a while now, but three considerations have held me back:

1. I’m going to Tokyo in November and, given all the trouble I’ve had finding someone to watch over my dogs for the two weeks I’ll be away, I don’t feel right adding another member to the pack in advance of my departure.

2. After going back and forth on it, I finally decided to keep my house rather than move into a condo, which would certainly make it easier to get another dog, but recent developments have made me reconsider home ownership.  Following the air conditioner issue that caused water damage to two ceilings, I had my regular Mr. Fix-it come by to assess the damage.  Good news: the repairs won’t be as extensive or costly as I’d imagined.  Bad news: He pointed out water damage and resultant mold below my bathroom skylight – which will also have to be dealt with.  Worse news: The roofer swung by earlier in the week to temporarily address the issue until he could schedule a proper fix.  Unfortunately, whatever he did resulted in a full-out leak that, two nights ago during one of heaviest downpours in months, required a catch bucket and plenty of strategically placed towels.

3. I have three incredibly needy dogs who can’t seem to get enough of my attention as it is.

Three fairly solid reasons to, at the very least, hold off on a decision.  And yet, potentially trumping those concerns are all the needy pooches looking for a good home…

Wally

Ten year old (wacky) Wally is a little food aggressive but, otherwise, a sweet boy who loves nothing more than to lounge about and follow you around. [http://www.seattlepugs.com]

Odie

Ten year old Odie needs a wheelchair to get around because his hind legs so he needs someone with patience – and a good back capable of carrying him up and down stairs when necessary.  Otherwise, this old boy is great with kids, cats, and other dogs. [http://www.seattlepugs.com]

Benny

Twelve year old Benny may be completely deaf, but he understands hand signals – and snuggling. [http://www.seattlepugs.com]

Otis and Jack

Fourteen year old Otis and eleven year old Jack are a package deal as they’ve been together most of their lives and have bonded.  Otis must take medication three times a day to control his seizures but they are otherwise happy, healthy, and looking for a good home. [http://www.seattlepugs.com]

Skye

Six year old Skye, like many frenchies, suffers from allergies and breathing issues, but she’s apparently a laid back, snuggly gal. [http://frenchbulldogrescue.org].

Bear

Five year old Bear finds himself in search of a good home following the passing of his human companion.  He’s very energetic and great with kids. [http://www.pacificpugrescue.org/index.htm].

Max

Nine year old Max has some vision and hearing loss, but is easy-going and gets along great with other dogs. [http://www.pacificpugrescue.org/index.htm]

Among the groups I follow on facebook is Missing Pets in BC that does a great job of getting the word out on missing loved ones ranging from rabbits and parrots to cats and dogs.  It’s amazing the number of pets that go missing, but even more amazing are the number of happy reunions.  Like the case of this adorable fellow who went missing following a break in:

Turns out he was stolen but, after the police and local media got involved, Otis was recovered!

Hoping for a happy ending for this handsome boy:

If you happen to be in the Pensacola, Florida area – or beyond – , keep your eyes open for Diesel.  He sent missing after someone knocked down the 6 foot chain link fence holding him.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Diesel/218498534967921

A little over two months ago, Toronto became the second city in Canada (joining Richmond, BC) to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.  They join a number of U.S. municipalities that already have similar bans in place: Albuquerque, Alisa Viejo, Austin, Brick, Burbank, Chula Vista, Coral Gables, Dana Point, El Paso, Flagler Beach, Fountain, Glendale, Hallandale, Hermosa Beach, Hoboken, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Lake Worth, Lauderdale Lakes, Los Angeles, Manasquan, North Bay Village, Opa-Locka, Point Pleasant Beach, San Diego, South Lake Tahoe, and West Hollywood.  Quite a few but not nearly enough.

10 Reasons Not to Buy Pet Store Puppies | Dogster

“An HBO documentary, Madonna of the Mills, exposes the fact that virtually all pet store puppies are raised in puppy mills in horrible conditions, in wire pens no bigger than a dishwasher, and the puppies are sickly with parasites and other serious issues.”  Read the entire article by Allen St. John here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/allenstjohn/2012/02/22/where-not-to-buy-a-dog-the-pet-store-connection-to-the-business-of-puppy-mills/

The sad truth about many of these seemingly loving and reputable pet stores: “Finally, you should do your research into Pet Habitat.  According to their own website, “Pet Habitat” is only their “doing business as” or DBA name.  Their corporate name is International Bio Research Ltd which alludes to an animal testing company that does product testing on animals confirmed to a lab.  I can’t think of a more horrible life for animals.” http://sniffingouthome.org/2013/08/12/comments-mean-a-lot-when-we-are-learning-about-animal-rescue/

Where do a lot of these pet shop dogs come from?  Here’s an overview of the Hunte Corporation: http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.ca/2009/10/hunte-corporation-pushing-akc-puppy.html and http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Hunte_Corporation.

Sad and shameful.

Mailbag:

poundpuppy29 (Erika) writes: “Oh! I did not know that part of the issue so syfy screwed you they lied to you that does not surprise me I mean wouldn’t it be logical to tell the people who produce a show on your network who you have a long history with the truth that the show you currently are producing only has till the end of that current season in enough time to write to wrap up the show that would be logical but I forgot most people are not logical they are too short sighted GRRR thank you for answering me I do appreciate it”

Answer: That wasn’t the case here.  SyFy was not the villain.  Television is a business and the show wasn’t doing well in the ratings.  However, that doesn’t always spell doom.  There are ways to save a show if the parties involved are willing to work together to ensure its survival – even if it’s for a third and final season.  The network took the steps to make this happen.  Other players did not.

gforce writes: “Step-mom update: Yesterday was a bit better. She was sitting up and having a coherent conversation, so that was a definite improvement.”

Answer: Great to hear!

Line Noise writes: “I call shenanigans on that Japanese prank show. Some of the camera angles (especially with the dinosaur clip from the other day) were not possible without the prankee seeing the camera and cameraman.”

Answer: Aha!  Caught you!  You’re watching t.v. like a television producer!  Now try checking out all those “reality” shows.

Mike from Canada writes: “I would suggest thinking about a surge protector breaker for the ovens circuit. I would have suggested tightening the connections on the old oven, but I guess it’s too late for that now.”

Answer: Hey, Mike, thanks for the advice.  I did have an electrician swing by the house and check for faulty electrical connections and bad terminations (on the advice of my home repair expert, Tothwolf) but he found nothing wrong.

Tam Dixon writes: “Sorry about your stove. When you get a new one, are you looking for any cool upgrades?”

Answer: Yes.  I’ve upgraded to one with a working control panel.  This one even has something called Sabbath Mode.  No idea what that is but looking forward to tracking down some Sabbath Mode recipes.

BoltBait writes: “So much for my suggestion of a Westworld TV show…

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni56121971“

Answer: Yeah.  I’m waiting for them to announce the launch of the JJ Abrams Network.

Bailey writes: “I know, get a crowd funder going big enough to buy MGM. Then make any darn thing you want! I’ll chip in.”

Answer: Now THAT would do it!  Could you imagine?  An actual studio or network run by fans?

Jim Lawson writes: “You might consider sharing your opinion on Maytag on Twitter, I find it a excellent place to “share” with a wide audience and sometimes get the attention of a company”

Answer: Done!  Thanks.

Bell&Kasper writes: “I had huge issues about 12 years ago with a brand new GM pickup (transmission kept failing plus numerous other things and they were happy to put a new one in, but the stupid thing spent 2 months in the shop of the 3 months I had it). Definitely a lemon since the truck was very highly rated and had a good history. I wrote to GM with 2 pages of vehicle breakdown issues and they basically said tough luck, you have a warranty, what’s the problem?”

Answer: I promise to never buy another GM if you promise to never buy another Whirlpool.